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LGBTQ+ fiction books I recommend

For years, I struggled to find any kind of queer representation in contemporary books. So for Pride Month, I’m highlighting all of the LGBTQ+ fiction books I recommend to people and that I’ve read between 2021 and 2024. Every Pride, I’ll update this post with more books I recommend, all with LGBTQ+ representation. Here, you’ll find a collection of queer romance, children’s and YA (as I catch up on books I wish I’d had when I was younger), and other LGBTQ+ lit. These are far from all of the LGBTQ+ books I’ve read, but they’re certainly the most insightful. Disclosure:… Read More »LGBTQ+ fiction books I recommend

How to start a self-care journal for writers

Are you a hoarder of notebooks? Do you want to put one to use? A self-care journal might be for you. Journalling is a great way to look after your mental health. Some people find that writing a diary entry a day helps them, while others prefer tracking habits or planning their day. For writers, self-care journals can also help motivate you to write. What is a self-care journal? A self-care journal usually works by regularly writing about your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Having a dedicated self-care journal can help you not only write often but also tackle worries you… Read More »How to start a self-care journal for writers

Summer romance writing prompts

When it comes to seasonal or holiday romances, there are two seasons most romance writers gravitate towards: summer and winter. These summer romance writing prompts will put you in the mood for a steamy fling or reawakened passion. Most summer romances take place in small towns, hot destination spots, and glamorous resorts. But don’t fret – think of all the events that happen when the sun comes out. Beach trips, water parks, and music festivals can all be equally romantic anywhere you go. Looking for other seasonal romance writing prompts? Check out my spring romance writing prompts. 22 summer romance… Read More »Summer romance writing prompts

How to create a writer’s self-care kit

As writers, we don’t always make the effort to look after ourselves, especially when it comes in the way of writing. By creating a writer’s self-care kit, we can set aside comfort items to prepare for when we need them. Self-care is something we all do, even if we don’t always know it. A self-care kit is a collection of comforting possessions that can help us intentionally care for ourselves. You don’t have to buy anything to make a writer’s self-care kit – just collect what you already have and add to it as needed. What is a self-care kit?… Read More »How to create a writer’s self-care kit

An introduction to submitting to literary agents

Agent query packs – also known as agent submission packs – are essential for any author hoping to gain representation from a literary agent. Submitting to literary agents involves creating, personalising, and sending agent query packs. Aspiring authors put together agent query packs when trying to secure a literary agent. Comprised of a query/cover letter, book synopsis, and an extract of your manuscript, an agent query pack is sent to literary agents in the hope that they’ll be interested in representing you and your book. If you don’t know where to start, read on to find out more. What are… Read More »An introduction to submitting to literary agents

How to overcome imposter syndrome for writers

Imposter syndrome isn’t unique to writers, but it can really stop us from writing. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or felt like you’re not a ‘real’ writer, this post on how to overcome imposter syndrome for writers is for you. I’ve suffered with imposter syndrome myself: it’s stopped me from writing, because I don’t feel good enough. Finding techniques to combat imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be hard, but sometimes you need an extra push. I’ve listed some of the ways I’m overcoming imposter syndrome below. If you’re not familiar with what imposter syndrome is or how it can… Read More »How to overcome imposter syndrome for writers

Affirmations for writers

We’re writers – of course we struggle to stay motivated. Using affirmations can be a great way to stay motivated and challenge imposter syndrome. I’ve used affirming statements to help me get through many situations. To help myself and others more, I’ve compiled 91 affirmations for writers. Many of us could benefit from creating self-care techniques to benefit us when writing or dealing with rejections. No matter what you write or how you want to get your writing out to readers, you might find some benefits from reading through these affirmations for writers. Not all affirmations will work for everyone.… Read More »Affirmations for writers

Why you need a professional proofreader for your novel

As a self-publishing author, you’re probably overwhelmed with everything you need to do before you can release your book. There are so many new terms to learn about. So many services you didn’t know people used, and you’re not sure what you need. So why do you need a professional proofreader? Finding a proofreader is as easy as asking in a Facebook group, but you’re actually opening yourself up to people who aren’t trained, don’t have experience, and aren’t as competent as they say. Your novel needs a professional: someone who is trained specifically in proofreading, someone who will do… Read More »Why you need a professional proofreader for your novel

Romance novel writing prompts

Are you looking for inspiration for your next romantic adventure? These romance novel writing prompts are designed to give you that spark of creativity to start, continue, or rework a novel idea. There are infinite stories to tell in the romance genre. One plot can be used many times over to tell new stories and give life to new characters. Each prompt is a single sentence with a hook, plotline, or conflict to explore in the novel. They can be used on their own, in conjunction with other prompts, or completely reshaped. Using my writing prompts Any writers are welcome… Read More »Romance novel writing prompts

Gender-neutral names list for writers: A, B, C…

Looking for a gender-neutral names list for a particular letter? These lists contain tons of inspiration for your characters. As a massive supporter of gender-neutrality and inclusivity, I’ve pulled together some resources and names to help writers in need of gender-neutral character names. Whether you’re writing an LGBTQ+ character or trying something different, like using an ambiguous name in a crime novel, I hope you’ll find a gender-neutral name you like below. Gender-neutral names can be used for any kind of character, and recent popularity in using more gender-neutral names can easily be reflected in fiction. What is a gender-neutral… Read More »Gender-neutral names list for writers: A, B, C…